Hawaii has historically been one of the most popular destinations for people looking to redeem points, and there’s a new addition to Hyatt’s portfolio there (though this will only be useful for most when Hawaii reopens to tourists without a mandatory 14-day quarantine).
I first wrote about this a month ago, but Hyatt has now put out a press release providing more details of what we can expect.
In this post:
Hyatt’s new Hana-Maui Resort
Hyatt will be taking over the management contract of Maui’s Travaasa Hana Resort, which will be known as Hana-Maui Resort. The property has been closed since late March, as is the case with so many properties in Hawaii, given the travel restrictions.
Hyatt has now officially entered into a management contract for the hotel, though it’s still not open. Operations are currently anticipated to resume as of October 1, though that remains subject to change based on travel restrictions.
Hyatt’s new Maui property
Hana-Maui Resort features 75 guest rooms, two dining options, an indoor-outdoor spa and wellness center, two pools, and a yoga pavilion.
Hana-Maui Resort looks like a solid four-star property with nice public spaces, though it doesn’t seem to have any beach (though it is on the water otherwise). The entry-level room here is a junior suite, so that’s nice.
Hyatt’s new Maui property
One thing that makes this hotel unique is that it’s on the eastern tip of Maui, in the town of Hana. Yes, that’s part of the famous “road to Hana,” so it’s cool to have a hotel there since most other properties are on the opposite side of the island.
This will be a Destination Hotels property
Hana-Maui Resort is joining Hyatt’s Destination Hotels portfolio. This is a hotel group that joined Hyatt as part of the acquisition of Two Roads Hospitality. For those of you not familiar with Destination Hotels, these are several dozen of them.
Many of them are more residential-style than traditional hotels, and some don’t have traditional dining outlets. This is also why not all of them offer free breakfast for Globalist members.
Regarding this particular addition to Hyatt, there are a couple of things worth knowing:
- Hyatt already has an impressive footprint on Maui, including the Andaz Maui, Hyatt Regency Maui, and several Destination Hotels properties
- This isn’t the first time that a Travaasa property has become Hyatt affiliated — Travaasa Austin ended up becoming Miraval Austin, which is Hyatt’s wellness brand
Hyatt’s new Maui property
Hana-Maui Resort to become Alila Maui?
The plan is for Hana-Maui Resort to go through a two-year phased renovation, which includes enhancing all accommodations, arrival areas, dining outlets, and pools.
One has to wonder if the long term plan is for this to be converted into another Hyatt brand. For example, could we see this eventually becoming a Miraval property (as we saw in Austin), or maybe an Alila? In many ways, this doesn’t seem to be a traditional Destination Hotels property, as it has restaurants, a spa, and more.
There’s a further hint here — if you look at the hotel’s “code” in Hyatt’s system, it’s “OGGAL.” “OGG” is the airport code for Maui, and “AL” is the code for Alila.
For example, the code for Alila Ventana Big Sur is “SJCAL,” with “SJC” standing for San Jose (an airport not too far away from the hotel), and “AL” standing for Alila. Or the code for Alila Jabal Akhdar is “MCTAL,” with “MCT” standing for Muscat, and “AL” standing for Alila.
Therefore it seems almost certain that Hana-Maui Resort will eventually become the Alila Maui, which is very exciting. For what it’s worth, I asked a representative if there were plans for this to be converted to another brand, and was told they’re “not at liberty” to share.
This will be a Category 7 World of Hyatt property
While rooms aren’t yet bookable on Hyatt’s website, the plan is for Hana-Maui Resort to be a Category 7 World of Hyatt property, which is Hyatt’s highest tier for managed properties. That means a free night redemption will cost 30,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
There’s one other potential interesting opportunity here. Historically the property has offered either standard rates or all-inclusive rates, with the latter including three meals per day, plus a $175 per person per day credit.
We’ll soon find out if Hyatt will continue selling rooms in that way. If the hotel continues selling both standard rates and all-inclusive rates, then I wouldn’t expect that points redemptions would include all of those extras.
We did recently see Alila Ventana Big Sur start including all meals on award stays, but that’s simply because the hotel no longer has rates that don’t include meals. If this property continues to offer two rate types, then I would expect the most basic rate type to be what’s bookable with points.
Hyatt’s new Maui property
Bottom line
Hyatt has taken over the management contract for Travaasa Hana Resort, which will now be known as Hana-Maui Resort, part of the Hyatt Destination Hotels portfolio.
Initially, the property won’t be the most luxurious points hotel in Hawaii, though it is undergoing a two-year renovation, which is good to hear. Based on the hints we have, it appears that this will eventually become an Alila, which I’m really excited about.
What makes this hotel so special is its location, as it’s in a totally different area than most of Maui’s other hotels (and especially other points hotels). It could be worth splitting time on Maui, with some time on the west coast, and some on the east coast. For context, the drive from the Andaz Maui to Hana-Maui Resort takes about two hours.
Is anyone excited about this new Hyatt option on Maui?
I love this resort. I have stayed there multiple times and will hopefully continue to do so with Hyatt taking over management. However, one thing that concerned me already was the honoring of pre-purchased packages at discounted rates. Previously, if you were on Travaasa's email distribution list, they would offer previous guests an ability to purchase multi-night stay packages at a deeply discounted rate (like 30-40% off listed rate). This included the 15 min flight...
I love this resort. I have stayed there multiple times and will hopefully continue to do so with Hyatt taking over management. However, one thing that concerned me already was the honoring of pre-purchased packages at discounted rates. Previously, if you were on Travaasa's email distribution list, they would offer previous guests an ability to purchase multi-night stay packages at a deeply discounted rate (like 30-40% off listed rate). This included the 15 min flight from Kahului to the Hana air strip and transfer. If you opted to drive (which I always do) from Kahului then they would give you credit ($100 each) toward food/drink, activities, and spa. You could bank these packages for up to two years, I believe, before they'd expire. I had one banked and called to inquire about booking it. To my surprise I discovered that not only was the property under management by Hyatt but that they would no longer by offering these deals twice yearly AND for those of us that have packages banked, they must be used by December 16, 2021 or they will no longer be accepted. These packages, even at the discounted rate, are not cheap. My advice to anyone holding onto a voucher is to get your stay booked for this year or to inquire about any potential credits or refunds.
I stayed in those cabins a few years go. Its near pitch black and silent except with the wind and the ocean howling. Try this, go drive around at night and stop and turn off all the lights. It'll get your heart beating.
Of course it's beautiful. The food was expensive and not great at least when I was there. Good for a couple of days but to then I'm happy to spend a couple of days after in Wailea or Kapalua.
totally agree with TJG3. on all points. however, Hana and the road are empty and delightful these days. yes, delightful. and serene. and relaxing...
hana maui in a junior suite is a waste. if you aren't on the south side of hauoli road, you are paying too much for ordinary. fyi, the hotel is partially occupied even now. it may not be "open" but it is occupied.
I live in the middle of nowhere in Ireland and drive on narrow, windy roads big enough for only one car everyday. For us the Road to Hana was horrible not so much because of the road itself but because we encountered people who has never driven on these kind of roads and were either over cautious or downright dangerous. The locals flew around the road intimidating tourists by driving up their butts and causing...
I live in the middle of nowhere in Ireland and drive on narrow, windy roads big enough for only one car everyday. For us the Road to Hana was horrible not so much because of the road itself but because we encountered people who has never driven on these kind of roads and were either over cautious or downright dangerous. The locals flew around the road intimidating tourists by driving up their butts and causing them to make silly maneuvers like stop cold/cross a one way bridge when they didn't have a good view...Not something I ever want to experience again. You can fly to Hana though so wouldn't rule out doing a split stay.
I felt a great affinity with the people of Maui. There are a lot of similarities between the the locals and Irish people and I was very surprised to travel so far from home to find people so like 'my tribe'. We are really struggling here in the west of Ireland without tourism too and there are many places that will never re-open. I'm sure that Hawaiians are similarly conflicted - enjoying having their land all to themselves while also being very worried about the future if tourism doesn't resume next year.
One drive to Hana is enough for a lifetime. No thanks.
The property code for Hana-Maui in Hyatt is OGGAL. The Miraval properties in Arizona, Austin and Massachusetts all have property codes OB while Alila properties have the AL code. So it’s likely that the Hana-Maui is becoming an Alila once the remodel is complete (and Hyatt has been eluding to an Alila coming to Hawaii for a few months now).
As for eats on Maui...our consistent hits are Star Noodle, AMP, and Paia Fish Market
Great news - the Hotel Hana is basically the only luxury option in Hana (besides some low rent condos) and it was always priced super high. As other noted it's a 3-hour drive from civilization (each way) so will be nice to have a points option. This is a place you go to get away from it all, not for an Andaz or Hyatt resort experience. There are several beaches nearby and some great hiking...
Great news - the Hotel Hana is basically the only luxury option in Hana (besides some low rent condos) and it was always priced super high. As other noted it's a 3-hour drive from civilization (each way) so will be nice to have a points option. This is a place you go to get away from it all, not for an Andaz or Hyatt resort experience. There are several beaches nearby and some great hiking trails.
As for Mamas it's a major tourist trap, the menu prices are 2x higher than the already overpriced places in Lahaina. Won't miss it at all.
Contrary to a post above, the hotel does have a beach, it's not in immediate walking distance, but a hotel shuttle bus will take you to the hotel's beach. I stayed there many years ago and it's a very quiet and peaceful place, very very relaxing, you feel deeply embraced by nature. As a Hyatt property, I suspect it will be one category below the Andaz.
Mama's is NOT closing. They sent a letter out locally that they are not closing. They will reopen when visitors are back.
The back road to Hana is not nearly as bad as the front or North road to Hana. The back road goes up through Kula and around the south side of the island. It goes through Kipahulu where Charles Lindberg is buried, and past the 7 Sacred Pools. The road surface is not great but very driveable. I live here and have driven it many times.
As for Mama's Fish House, I spoke with a friend that lives in Maui and he said the word among residents is that they won't reopen. As many said above, it is a stunning location and I really enjoyed the drinks and food although expensive. Hope they can get back in business.
I assumed it would open as a Miraval. Sort of odd that it’s not.
Stayed at the Hotel Hana Maui several years ago when they were part of Preferred Hotels. I used Choice Privileges points. Absolutely loved the place and wished we’d stayed longer. What we liked best was the solitude. It’s not easy to get to. I hope becoming part of a corporate entity doesn’t diminish its atmosphere.
The point isn’t luxury, it’s Hana...nature, crashing waves on rocky shore, hiking etc. The beauty of staying in Hana is you can enjoy it before the tourists get there and after they leave for the long drive back to Kihei or Lahaina. Never stayed at the hotel, but had one of my favorite Thanksgiving dinners at what was then the Hotel Hana Maui. Not only did they have turkey with all the trimmings, they had...
The point isn’t luxury, it’s Hana...nature, crashing waves on rocky shore, hiking etc. The beauty of staying in Hana is you can enjoy it before the tourists get there and after they leave for the long drive back to Kihei or Lahaina. Never stayed at the hotel, but had one of my favorite Thanksgiving dinners at what was then the Hotel Hana Maui. Not only did they have turkey with all the trimmings, they had a full Hawaiian/Polynesian spread: think poke, sushi, poison cru... Also there was Keiki Hula for entertainment!
As for Mama’s, their last FB post & the website say they do plan to reopen & the family is not selling. I love that place, never had a less than stellar meal. To save a few bucks go for a late lunch (menu served til 4:30 for about 2/3 the price) ,if you are on mainland time it’s still dinner. Plus the views are better in the daylight.
I miss Maui...moved back to the mainland last year after 15 years of living in the islands...
Toured the resort once when I was working in the travel industry. Nice but I would never want to stay there. Too far away from everything else and Hana is just too much of a sleepy little place unless you are a total recluse. I would much rather be in the Kapalua area with the best restaurant ever, Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar (I could eat there every night!) Kapalua Villas are nice enough...
Toured the resort once when I was working in the travel industry. Nice but I would never want to stay there. Too far away from everything else and Hana is just too much of a sleepy little place unless you are a total recluse. I would much rather be in the Kapalua area with the best restaurant ever, Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar (I could eat there every night!) Kapalua Villas are nice enough and they use to give you access/full use of the Ritz Carlton facilities but not sure if that is still the case.
@Justin Mama's is temporarily closed. My local friends there in the service industry said that most of the business is from wealthy tourists. No locals can afford to eat there. They all figure that only time will tell if they recover. Of course, it's been almost 5 months of lockdown...
Visited Hotel Hana Maui in January 2012 for one night. We had grand plans there but it rained most of the night we were there. My wife HATED our time in Hana. The handful of food stops there closed up before 6 and we were left with the hotel dining, expensive and not that great (at the time). The hotel was an iPrefer hotel and just being a member of iPrefer meant a room upgrade,...
Visited Hotel Hana Maui in January 2012 for one night. We had grand plans there but it rained most of the night we were there. My wife HATED our time in Hana. The handful of food stops there closed up before 6 and we were left with the hotel dining, expensive and not that great (at the time). The hotel was an iPrefer hotel and just being a member of iPrefer meant a room upgrade, we were moved into the ocean-side part of the property (it's split in two by a city street) into an oceanfront cottage. It was great but to maintain seclusion the rooms had no TV or WiFi. Stuck in the rain and needing to call a golf cart to come drive us to the main building for dinner wasn't great. The room was fine, just very dark (the part my wife didn't enjoy). Sunrise from our private deck was great and we LOVED the beach shack at Hamoa Beach. We drove ourselves there but there was a shuttle as well and we were the only ones on the beach (such an iconic beach too) for about 4 hours. The beach attendant was busy working since later that day the Travel Channel was filming something there. I think I spent $500 for the night plus food was another $200-ish. Again, 2012 money. Travaasa ran some end of year pre-purchase deals that were pretty good, if you're looking for a deal then watch for those. Oh, the pool (adults only) was fantastic and empty for us.
Having done the Hana Highway once we haven't done it again (6 total trips now to Maui). If Hamoa Beach is on your list then stay overnight and take your time on the beach, it's really stunning and a piece of Heaven.
Been there many times and I live on Maui part of the year.
Budget 3.5 hours to get there. There is no beach.
Only one unit there has aircon and it’s a privately owned condo that I’ve used in the past. I’ve done pretty much every activity the Travasa offered in the past. Fishing from the pier with traditional Hawaiian throw nets was particularly interesting and futile.
There is little to do...
Been there many times and I live on Maui part of the year.
Budget 3.5 hours to get there. There is no beach.
Only one unit there has aircon and it’s a privately owned condo that I’ve used in the past. I’ve done pretty much every activity the Travasa offered in the past. Fishing from the pier with traditional Hawaiian throw nets was particularly interesting and futile.
There is little to do at the resort or the town and the prices are high.
Hana is very prone to rain.
There are excursions you can go out on but Hana is only great for isolation and some nice waterfalls and trails. That being said, people regularly injured at Red Sand “beach”, Hamoa, the Venus Pool, and the Oheo Gulch...just to name a few.
Hana is a good day trip but the Grand Hyatt Wailea has a vastly superior beach, accommodations, and access to amenities...unfortunately it’s packed most of the time.
I wish the hotel and the people of Hana well with the change but it’s a property in a location that has always been challenging.
The Travassa Hana has a beach facility, as I recall, on Hamoa Beach - which is a fantastic swimming and bodysurfing sandy beach.
Ah, yes - they have a web page about it if you Google.
Anyone have reliable info on Mama's? That is crazy, as Evan said I imagine its one of the most profitable ventures on Maui.
Mama's Fish House posted on Facebook a month ago saying they hoped to open in August. That likely will be pushed back. It's such an institution I would be stunned if they closed.
Mama's Fish House is closing permanently? That is remarkable. In normal times, it must be the most profitable restaurant on the island. It is a bit surprising they cannot shut down and weather the storm.
Hana is my fav part of Maui, so this is great news whenever they reopen.
@Santastico - Tried Mama's Fish House once. The view was stunning but I was less enthusiastic about paying $100 for uninspiring food. I'm rooting for the little guys.
Fly to Hana. The hotel has changed hands multiple times since Tony DeJetley days.
It looks great but just keep in mind this property is located in Hana which is a good 2 hours from Maui airport. The road to Hana is a great tourist attraction in Maui but not for everyone. It gets very busy and the curves makes it very challenging and people that get dizzy in cars will certainly not have a fun ride.
Maui is really suffering with the pandemic. A friend of mine that...
It looks great but just keep in mind this property is located in Hana which is a good 2 hours from Maui airport. The road to Hana is a great tourist attraction in Maui but not for everyone. It gets very busy and the curves makes it very challenging and people that get dizzy in cars will certainly not have a fun ride.
Maui is really suffering with the pandemic. A friend of mine that lives in the island shared that Mama’s Fish House will close permanently which is very sad.
If you are OK with a $475 hotel ($525 for 2 people), which is not that terrible for a cat 7 or 8 Hyatt, then the extra for food and incidentals is a good deal. Back out the $175 credit per person and that makes meals only $75 which is a bargain.